Subsurface Storage System
One version of this disclosure includes a subsurface storage system having two components respectively made from a single mold: a panel and a connector. In this version, a first layer of the system includes at least one connector having an identical top side and bottom side where each side may respectively maintain a panel in a specified position when engaged with the panel. A plurality of panels, particularly the bottom edges of the panels, are configured into an engagement with the at least one connector to form a plurality of shapes. A third layer of the system is at least one connector that engages the upper edge of the panels. Additional panels may be positioned on the second layer of connectors. Further, additional panels may be positioned on the second layer of connectors to form another layer of shapes defined by the panels.
This application claims priority from the disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/966,096, entitled “ISI Next Generation Subsurface Water Storage,” filed Aug. 24, 2007, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTIONThe present disclosure relates in general to subsurface storage systems and, in particular, to underground water storage systems having interlocking cell layers.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONExisting subsurface storage units are known in the art. Such storage units often include bulky, sizeable components that require various hardware to construct and install. This increased complexity may require further time and energy to build and install the storage system. These costs may even exceed the cost of the storage system itself. The lack of interchangeability of components generally found in such systems may further increase the cost of parts and labor required for service.
In some units, the bulkiness of the system makes it inefficient to transport the unit and/or its components. This may create a variety of issues such as increased installation costs or requiring that the system be constructed at a convenient location. The inability to install such devices on-site may make them expensive or even cost prohibitive. The size of such devices may also limit where they can be used. For example, if may be difficult to use such devices in shallow areas, where a need for storage still exists.
Further, systems known in the art do not offer high void ratios. In this version, the term high void ratio refers to the percentage ratio comparing the storage space available in an area after the installation of a storage unit and the storage space available in an area prior to the installation of a storage unit (i.e. when the area is empty). In some situations, it may be desirable to achieve a high void ratio to increase the space available for storage purposes.
The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming a part of the specification illustrate several aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention; it being understood, however, that this invention is not limited to the precise arrangements shown. In the drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements in the several views. In the drawings:
The following description of certain examples of the current application should not be used to limit the scope of the present invention as expressed in the appended claims. Other examples, features, aspects, embodiments, and advantages will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description. Accordingly, the figures and description should be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, wherein like numerals indicate the same elements throughout the views,
In one version, each of the plurality of panels (20) is shaped as shown in
Referring to
In the version shown in
Referring to
In one version, each panel (20) is approximately 48 inches in length, 12 inches in height, and 0.1 inches thick. It will be understood by those skilled in the art that any suitable dimensions may be used. For example, the length of the panel may vary from 32 inches to 70 inches. Still it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the length of the panel (20) may be less than or greater than this range. Similarly, the panel (20) may have a height ranging from 4 inches to 20 inches. Still it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the height of the panel (20) may be less than or greater than this range. The panel (20) may have a thickness ranging from 0.060 inches to 0.250 inches. Still it will be understood by those skilled in the art that the thickness of the panel (20) may be less than or greater than this range.
In the version shown, each portion (22), (24) has a generally rectangular frame having slats defining a plurality of voids (26) therein. The portions (22), (24) may have any suitable frame or slat configuration to provide maximum strength with a minimum amount of material. For example, the frames may be hourglass shaped, have concave edges, or any other suitable shape. The portions (22), (24) may have any suitable slat or support structures, may have only a frame, or may have a solid configuration. Various portions may also have different configurations.
Design of the panels (20) and the portions (22), (24) may depend upon a number of factors including characteristics relating to the type of material from which the panels (20) are produced, the load to be supported by the panels (20), the aesthetic appeal of the panels (20), and manufacturing costs. Increasing the size of the voids (26) may limit the structural design of the panels (20) such that the panels (20) cannot withstand the necessary forces exerted against it. The shape of the voids (26) may depend upon the structural design of the panel (20) or portions (22), (24). In one version, the panels (20) are configured or extruded from a polymer or plastic material, although any suitable material or manufacturing technique may be used. For example, the panels (20) may be constructed out of polypropylene. The panels (20) may also be produced from a single mold.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that other suitable designs for the panel (20) may be used, including that shown in
Referring again to
In the version shown in
As shown in
As shown in
In another configuration of panels (20) shown in
When the panels (20) are assembled, the connector (30) maintains the panels (20) in their respective positions with a plurality of engagement members (34). In one version, the engagement members (34) have three elongated slots (36), as shown in
Each slot (36) is configured to engage an edge of a panel (20) to retain the panel (20) when assembled. For example, in the illustrated version, the slot (36) snaps into engagement with the panel (20) as shown in
As mentioned earlier in regards to the version shown in
As shown in
Configuring additional panels (20) to engage the top side of a connector (30) where the bottom side is respectively engaged with other panels (20) forms a multi-layered system. In one version, because the top side and the bottom side of the connector (30) are identical, the hexagonal shapes produced on various layers are aligned with each other. In another version, the hexagonal shapes produced on various layers may not align with each other. One example where this non-alignment would exist is in a version where the groups of slots (36) on each respective side of the connector (30) were not aligned in the same direction.
As shown in
As shown in
As mentioned earlier, the bottom side and the top side of the connector (30) are identical. Therefore, both sides of the connector (30) may engage panels (20). In this circumstance, a multilayered system is created where each layer contains a different row of panels (20) respectively engaged with a connector (30). Regardless of whether a panel (20) is positioned above or below the connector (30), the panel (20) engages the connector (30) in the same manner. As mentioned earlier, various techniques and systems may be used to achieve this engagement. For example, the panel (20) and the connector (30) may respectively snap into engagement.
An expansive multi-layer system may be configured from the components described herein. Each layer of panels (20) may be continually expanded by adding further panels (20) and connectors (30) onto the existing platform. The panels (20) would continue to increase the number of hexagonal shapes formed and thus further expand the honeycomb shape formed by the hexagonal shapes.
One version of a method of use for the version of the storage system (10) comprises creating a cavity in which to place the storage system (10). The surface of the cavity may be layered with a geogrid material. At least one connector (30) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the cavity. A plurality of the connectors (30) may be positioned on the bottom surface of the cavity depending upon the size of the cavity. In this version, if the connectors (30) have a side that is flush, the flush side of the connector (30) may be placed in contact with the bottom surface of the cavity.
After positioning at least one connector (30) on the bottom surface of the cavity, a plurality of panels (20) are engaged with this first level of the connector (30). The plurality of panels (20) are positioned such that the panels (30) are aligned in the same direction as shown in
The respective first layer of panels (20) and the connectors (30) may be configured to snap into engagement with each other. More particularly, the bottom edge of the panels (20) and the respective connector (30) are configured to engage each other. The panels (20) will continue to be positioned until an adequate number is present in an adequate configuration.
The first layer of panels (20) will form a series of hexagonal shapes. The hexagonal shapes will in turn form a honeycomb shape. A second honeycomb-shaped layer may then be added onto the first layer as shown in
After configuring the second layer of connectors (30) and the upper edge of the first layer of panels (20) into engagement, a second layer of panels (20) is positioned in engagement with the second layer of connectors (30). This second layer of panels is configured in a similar manner compared to the first layer meaning that the plurality of panels (20) is aligned in the same direction as shown in
This second layer of panels (20) may then be engaged with a third layer of connectors (30). The connectors (30) secure the respective position of the second layer of the panels (20) by engaging the respective top edges of the panels (20). Any suitable number of layers may be added to this foundation.
This version of a storage system described in this exemplary method may be used for any suitable purpose. For example, this version of a system may be used to accumulate or store water underground. Likewise, this version of a storage system may be used to store some other substance. For example, this version of the storage system may be used to store a liquid other than water. The void ratio produced from this version may measure at least 90% where the void ratio compares the available storage space in the cavity prior to the construction of the system and after the construction of the system. Still, it will be understood that other suitable void ratios may be produced using this system. For example, a void ratio measuring at least 94% may be produced.
The versions presented in this disclosure are examples. Having shown and described various versions, further adaptations of the methods and systems described herein may be accomplished by appropriate modifications by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the claim below. Several of such potential modifications have been mentioned, and others will be apparent to those skilled in the art. For instance, the examples, embodiments, ratios, steps, and the like discussed above may be illustrative and not required. Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be considered in terms of the following claims and is understood not to be limited to the details of structure and operation shown and described in the specification and drawings.
Claims
1. A storage system comprising:
- (a) a plurality of elongate panels, each of the plurality of elongate panels comprising a plurality of adjacent portions, wherein each of the plurality of adjacent portions is angled relative to each adjacent portion; and
- (b) a connector, the connector configured to retain the plurality of elongate panels in an assembled configuration.
2. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality elongate panels are arranged into hexagonal shapes.
3. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the elongate panels further comprise a plurality of inner portions and a plurality of coupling portions.
4. The storage system of claim 3, wherein each of the plurality of inner portions has substantially the same dimensions.
5. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of adjacent portions are angled at from 110 degrees to 130 degrees relative to each adjacent portion.
6. The storage system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of adjacent portions are angled at 120 degrees relative to each adjacent portion.
7. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the connector comprises at least one engagement member configured to accept each of the plurality of elongate panels.
8. The storage system of claim 1, wherein the connector is positioned transverse to each of the plurality of elongate panels.
9. The storage system of claim 1, where the connector comprises a plurality of connectors configured to retain the plurality of elongate panels in the assembled configuration.
10. A subsurface storage system comprising:
- (a) a first layer comprising at least one connector, wherein each connector includes at least one engaging member;
- (b) a second layer comprising a plurality of panels, wherein each of the plurality of panels comprises a bottom edge and a top edge, wherein each of the plurality of panels is positioned adjacent to at least one other panel, wherein each of the plurality of panels is engaged with the at least one connector; and
- (c) a third layer comprising at least one connector, wherein the at least one connector is engaged with at least one top edge of the plurality of panels.
11. The storage system of claim 10, wherein the first layer, the second layer, and the third layer form at least one hexagonal cell.
12. The storage system of claim 11, further comprising a plurality of hexagonal cells.
13. The storage system of claim 12, further comprising a fourth layer, wherein the fourth layer comprises a plurality of panels engaged with the at least one connector of the third layer.
14. The storage system of claim 12, further comprising a fifth layer, wherein the fifth layer comprises at least one connector engaged with the plurality of panels of the fourth layer.
Type: Application
Filed: Aug 25, 2008
Publication Date: Feb 26, 2009
Inventor: David B. Stuck (Loveland, CO)
Application Number: 12/197,454
International Classification: E04H 14/00 (20060101);